﻿Monsoon Storm Safety﻿

The severe winds experienced during monsoon storms have the potential to cause power outages throughout the Community. Strong winds can topple utility poles and snap tree limbs causing them to fall on power lines and disrupt electrical service.GRICUA has provided the following tips for dealing with a power outage:Outage Safety

Be extra cautious when you go outside to inspect for damage after a storm. Downed or hanging electrical wires can be hidden by trees or debris, and could be live.

Never attempt to touch or move downed lines, and keep children and pets away from them.

Do not touch anything power lines are touching, such as tree branches or fences.

Always assume a downed line is a live line.

Call GRICUA at (520) 796-0600 to report downed power lines or other outage-related problems.

What To Do During An Outage

Refrigerators and freezers - leave the doors of your refrigerator and freezer closed to keep your food as fresh as possible.

If the power is out for longer than 4 hours, follow the guidelines below: For the Refrigerated section: Pack milk, other dairy products, meat, fish, eggs, gravy, and spoil-able leftovers into a cooler surrounded by ice. Inexpensive Styrofoam coolers are fine for this purpose. For the Freezer section: A freezer that is half full will hold food safely for up to 24 hours. A full freezer will hold food safely for 48 hours. Do not open the freezer door if you can avoid it. Use a food thermometer to check the temperature of your food right before you cook or eat it. Throw away any food that has a temperature of more than 40 degrees Fahrenheit.

Medical - If you have a medical condition that is impacted by a power outage call 911. If you have medication that requires refrigeration, check with your pharmacist for proper storage instructions during an extended outage.

Cooking during an outage - NEVER use charcoal briquettes to cook or heat food indoors. Charcoal briquettes produce carbon monoxide. Odorless and colorless, a build-up of carbon monoxide can be deadly.

Turn off lights, the stove and unplug major appliances and electronics to prevent overload when the power is restored. Leave one light on so you'll know when the outage is over.

Safety Tips

Be extra cautious when you go outside to inspect for damage after a storm. Downed or hanging electrical wires can be hidden by trees or debris, and could be live.

Never attempt to touch or move downed lines, and keep children and pets away from them.

Do not touch anything power lines are touching, such as tree branches or fences.

Always assume a downed line is a live line.

Call GRICUA at (520) 796-0600 to report downed power lines or other outage-related problems.

Emergency Preparedness Checklist

Flashlights - Keep a flashlight handy. Do not use candles in a power outage or other emergency.

Radio - A battery operated radio is an important source of critical weather and emergency information during a storm.